The Portuguese Casinos Association (APC) said the Court of Port considered that Betandwin.com had violated the exclusive right given to casinos for the exploit of chance games, therefore the company’s activity is considered illegal in Portugal.

The Court of Port sentenced that the contract is against the law, and also the publicity they use could go against the Portuguese code of publicity. In spite of all this, the sentence doesn’t obligate the company to suspend the sponsor contract, and that is the reason why APC is appealing the decision.

British spent 50 billion pounds (about 88 billion dollars) on gambling last year, which is more than the money spent by the government on defense and transport together. The statistics show that in average each person gambled 1400 dollars in 2005, seven times as much as the bets registered in 2001.

The number is expected to grow enormously this year due to the amazing development of Internet gambling all along the United Kingdom.

This is not the first bid made for the company, but the third in the last few weeks. Colony Capital and Pinnacle Entertainment are also trying to acquire the firm.

Last 13th March, Colony offered 38 dollars for each share of Aztar while Pinnacle offered 41 dollars on 31th March. Now, Ameristar has raised the bids to 42 dollars.

Next April 23rd Montecarlo’s population will have to decide whether they accept the opening of a casino or not. Six computers will be placed at a downtown school, where all voters from different neighborhoods will attend. The system will be similar to that of cash points, with both options available displayed: Yes or No.

There are 13,000 people allowed to vote already, but those who do not appear as registered may go to the Council and ask to be included.

The first event was the Burgeonvest Securities Limited Casino Night which took place at Liuna Station and was a great hit. The purpose for the event was to raise money for the Hamilton Bulldogs Youth Fund. The objective was completely accomplished: aproximately $10.000 dollars were collected. Over 150 people joined the players and staff this time, both to help their cause and also for entertainment. The participants enjoyed games such as Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, Crown and Anchor, and a horse racing game.

The transformation of Aladdin into Planet Hollywood is one step closer to its conclusion. Mike Dean, CEO of MJ Dean Construction, said that the basic work is done.

They are now waiting for some permits to be approved and working on the design of new developments. “We have already finished the key elements of the transformation,” said Robert Earl, Co-Director of Aladdin and owner of OpBiz.

Harrah’s Entertainment said last Thursday that it will spend us$ 550 million to expand Harrah’s Atlantic City to better compete with boardwalk rivals. The expansion will add a new room tower, more casino space and additional amenities, including a retail and entertainment complex.

Gaming analysts suggested the move will work for Harrah’s both now and later. For now, the expansion will help Harrah’s answer strong results by the competing Borgata. For the future, it will defend Harrah’s as Pennsylvania prepares to roll out slot-machine-only casinos in the next few years.

The Princess of Asturias has been allowed home with the Infanta Leonor today. The couple left Ruber International Clinic at ten past twelve today, a week after the birth. The clinic say the Princess’ recovery has been normal and that she is now breast feeding Leonor.

The Prince has remained with his wife and daughter the entire time since the birth, with the exception of attending two official engagements on Wednesday and Thursday.

New technology paving the way for online gaming in New Zealand will probably be in place by mid-2006, even though New Zealand Lotteries says it might take longer before Internet versions of Lotto, Daily Keno and Instant Kiwi become available.

The Crown entity contracted American company Gtech Holdings earlier this year to provide a new centralised gaming system.

The Jackpot Factory a leading online casino group, has announced unique bonus award incentives to players who try out any of the four new Halloween-themed games just released by Microgaming.

The Jackpot Factory online casino group has now expanded its collection of over 200 different online casino games with three new Halloween-themed games and a new power poker